This Black Tie Dress Will Take You From The Boardroom To The Ballroom

Rules were meant to be broken. That’s how we feel about fashion and especially about dress codes.

With wedding season and event season almost upon us, chances are your inbox is soon going to be overflowing with invites, all with different clothing requirements. If you’re stumped, you might attempt to Google (or ask your mother), “What do I wear to a black tie party?” You’ll likely come across antiquated answers that include long gowns and quite possibly, white gloves.

But instead of buying a new dress for every single event, dust off your trusty LBD and just add accessories. To prove our point, we asked New York City-based fashion illustrator Inslee Fariss, to draw the same black dress, styled for six totally different dress codes. Who wants to be spending all their money on gowns only to wear them once? Not us. Get inspired with the six illustrations below.

Traditionally speaking, black tie events call for long evening gowns, but in this day and age, you can absolutely get away with wearing a shorter hemline. However, if are going to choose a short frock, every other aspect of your outfit needs to be very dressed-up. Opt for high, strappy heels, small, delicate clutches, professional looking updos and an amazing, eye-catching piece of jewelry — a statement necklace or a pair of sparkly earrings will do wonders to amp up your look.

All illustrations by Inslee Fariss.

The Huffington Post